There was a nip in the air and the first traces of winter were just beginning to emerge. Guests were scrambling to find good seats at The Tollygunge Club to catch a familiar face they recognise from umpteen Tollywood and Bollywood movies.
November 2 saw the club’s Far Pavillion decked up as members cheered on actor Jisshu Sengupta as he belted out popular retro numbers in Hindi, English and Bengali with his band, Jisshu and The Retrodictions.
Given Jisshu’s on-stage swag, it was hard to tell that this was the band’s second live gig Amit Datta
While Jisshu handled the percussions, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa winner Shovan Ganguly sang the soulful vocals. Along with them, John Paul on guitar, Aritra Roy on bass, Arnab Chakraborty on the keyboard, Partha Das on saxophone and Barun Chakraborty as the sound engineer completed the ensemble.
Two-week-old band
Given Jisshu’s on-stage swag, it was hard to tell that the band had been formed merely two weeks ago, and this was their second live gig. His family, and friends from the industry who had seen the band grow from its inception, were there to support him.
(From left) Devlina Kumar, Gourab Chatterjee, Romi Datta and Anindya Chatterjee at the show Amit Datta
Among those in attendance were Anindya Chatterjee, Gourab Chatterjee, Devlina Kumar, Gaurav Chakrabarty and Ridhima Ghosh. “Although we have had the opportunity of seeing these guys play at Jisshu da’s place, watching them play in front of a live audience is a different experience,” said Gaurav, who has jammed with Jisshu at his house with Ridhima joining in on the singing front.
‘Close to my heart’
After soulful renditions of Musafir Hoon Yaaron and Knockin’ on Heaven's Door, Jisshu dedicated a song to his mother-in-law, actress Anjana Bhowmick. “This song is close to my heart, and currently, my heart is very close to me (gesturing towards wife Nilanjanaa in the audience). I married my wife 17 years ago and this song is dedicated to her mother, who is a timeless actress,” he said, before Shovan crooned the opening lines of Boro Eka Laage from Chowringhee, where Bhowmick acted alongside Uttam Kumar.
Arijit Dutta, managing director of Priya Entertainments Pvt. Ltd., at the event Amit Datta
Arijit Dutta, managing director of Priya Entertainments Pvt. Ltd., also joined in on the festivities. “Tolly Club’s ambience is lovely and the best season of Kolkata is just beginning. I couldn’t have asked for more than a dear friend playing open-air music, surrounded by other friends,” he said.
A few favourites from the ’90s
Soon enough, Jisshu decided to play a favourite tune from his youth. “I’m 44, and this song from the ’90s changed the love life and college life of everyone from my generation. The lead vocalist of this band is a very close friend and one of the sweetest people I know,” he smiled, as his band swung into a rendition of Maaeri by Euphoria.
‘Both the selection of music and the musicians playing it were fabulous,’ Madhu Neotia said Amit Datta
Madhu Neotia made it a point to drop in despite being tied up by Dhanteras preparations. “When Jisshu invited me, I had no idea that he was such a talented musician! I’m so glad I came today and I wish I didn’t have to leave early. Both the selection of music and the musicians playing it were fabulous,” she exclaimed.
The band took the audience through various time periods and Jisshu kept everyone guessing about the number to feature next. Before kicking into the opening notes of O Majhi Re, he said, “Let’s take a flashback with this song that was sung before I was even born.”
‘Pal Pal’ to ‘Majhe Majhe’
The crowd was extremely responsive, with many people joining in when the band played Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas and some even dancing to the tunes of Roop Tera Mastana. However, it wasn’t just popular Hindi numbers that sent the audience into a tizzy. “A show of this kind wouldn’t be complete, and I as a Bengali wouldn’t be satisfied, without playing this song,” said Jisshu, leading up to Majhe Majhe Tobo Dekha Pai.
‘The beautiful ambience and old songs have sent me down memory lane,’ said Nayantara Palchoudhuri Amit Datta
Honorary Consul of Norway, Nayantara Palchoudhuri, could be seen enjoying the band’s rendition of Kuch Na Kaho. “The beautiful ambience and old songs have sent me down memory lane. This evening has been the perfect blend of Hindi, English and Bengali music,” she said.
Curtain-raiser for the festive season
Anil Mukerji, CEO and Managing Member of Tollygunge Club Amit Datta
At the two-hour mark, Jisshu came forward to thank the audience after ending with Mon Amar Kemon Kemon Kore to thunderous applause. Upon receiving repeated requests, he directly addressed Anil Mukerji, CEO and Managing Member of the club. “Anil da, 9 ta beje geche kintu cholo aaro duto kori.” Mukerji couldn’t help but agree! “This is a curtain-raiser for the festive season and has provided us with the much-needed strength to persevere through this difficult time,” said Mukerji.